Body image issues have been prevalent in humanity for a long time since civilization peaked and society evolved. They involve one’s thoughts and feelings about one's body and how one imagines it to be. But it often has little connection to one's actual appearance, as well as shape, weight, and structure. While men and women have their respective battles in this arena, kids, too, have joined the trend.
Thanks to modernization, globalization, and the internet connecting the world, children, too have begun developing body image issues, having absurd physical expectations of themselves, and trying hard to alter their bodies. Previously, kids had little care for anything but playing and learning. But with the advent of social media and airbrushed photos, even children and adolescents have begun suffering from body image issues.
Most do not understand that there are applications to make one appear slimmer or with a more protruding jawline and expect their real, beautiful selves to always look like that. Here is a quick guide on signs your child is developing body image issues.
Dieting is a term usually associated with adults who decide to eat cleaner and count calories to lose weight. Though there are hundreds of diets available, it is important to choose the right one for your body. But when children begin practicing it, without proper guidance, rhyme, or reason, you may need to keep an eye on them. Often, kids who feel they are curvier or more ‘overweight’ compared to their peers try to lose weight. If it will improve their fitness and health, go for it. Otherwise, it is time to sit them down for a talk before they develop eating disorders as well.
An unusual sounding yet common phenomenon is the association of specific foods with rewards and punishments. Most parents and kids habitually end up terming vegetables and healthy foods as ‘good but yucky food’ and tasty, fast food as ‘unhealthy but tasty’. As a result, when kids try their hand at dieting, they end up overeating and tiring of healthy foods before finally gorging on unhealthy foods to feel better again. This unhealthy cycle must be broken as early as possible for your teens to keep body image issues and eating disorders at bay.
Children who feel conscious of their appearance or body proportions often try to fade in and become wallflowers. This further alienates them from their peers and makes them more conscious and anxious instead, without them realizing it. Notice if your happy-go-lucky or free-willed child appears more burdened or uncomfortable around people or on outings.
Pre-teens and teens are often irritable and frustrated. Since their world and perspectives have already started changing, they often get irked and lash out when they feel judged. If your kids are uncomfortable about the only thing they possess, their body, and people make disparaging comments about it, they will retaliate. Monitor their anger outbursts and determine if they center around their body, for it may be a tell-tale sign of body-image issues.
Is your kid constantly comparing their body and looks with others, be it a celeb or a peer? Then, you need to remain alert, as this can lead to an entire phase of identity crisis, body image issues, and even eating disorders, depending on your idol. Your child should be happy with the way they are. Occasional comparisons are normal; every kid wants protruding collar bones or prominent arm veins, but they cannot be about everything.
Eating your carefully chosen portions of a variety of foods is the norm, unless on a diet or at a party. Family members are usually aware of one another’s appetite and dietary restrictions. But if your child is being extra-secretive or dishonest about food, like skipping meals or wasting food, it may be time for a talk with a healthcare professional.
As parents, you know your child’s size and body structure best, so you would notice if your kid suddenly put on or lost 10 kilograms without reason. As kids, they are not always able to self-regulate and consume a healthy diet, which can lead to excessive weight loss or gain due to inadequate nourishment. So, keep an eye out for your kid’s appearance daily. It can tell you a lot about them.
Parents can't sit on the couch and monitor their kids’ every meal. But if they can use these signs to identify the development of body image issues, half the battle is already won. While their healthcare provider must cure and heal them, you must address these issues and never let them trouble your beautiful kid again.